Sheppey United pick up injuries to Cameron Andrews and Harlain Mbayo in a 2-1 loss at Margate in Isthmian South East and now prepare to host Horley Town on Saturday

Mounting injury problems are hampering Sheppey United’s bid to build momentum, with Cameron Andrews facing a spell on the sidelines after a “horrific” challenge.

Sheppey took the lead at Margate in their Isthmian South East clash on Tuesday night thanks to Danny Leonard’s sixth-minute opener. But Stanley Oldfield levelled a minute into the second half and Bradley Schafer scored to seal a 2-1 win for the hosts.

The Ites ended the game with 10 men after a challenge on Cameron Andrews left him unable to continue. They were already without Mo Dabo, D'Jean Spencer, Alfie Evans and Mams Diallo and will need to check on Harlain Mbayo after he also went off injured in the match.

Joint boss George Batten said: “It’s not good enough. We were totally comfortable in the first half and in the second we went out and did the opposite of what we asked them to do. Sat back, weren’t brave enough on the ball, we gave Margate control of the game and they deserved to win.

On the injury issues, he said: “It is a horrific challenge on Cameron; could be a broken ankle. It was a poor challenge...They should have had a player sent off for that tackle.

He added: “We need to strengthen, but it is not an easy process getting good players through the door.”

Sheppey went into their midweek clash off the back of a 2-1 away win against Steyning Town on Saturday.

Centre-back Josh Wisson put them ahead in the first half, Steyning levelled through Adam Adam after the break but Harry Lawrence’s sweeping cross from out wide deceived the keeper and ended up in the back of the net for an 85th-minute winner.

Reacting to their weekend win, joint manager Ian Batten said: “We could have been two or three-up at half-time but in the second half they were good, to be